Was born in Charlotteville, Culpepper county, Virginia, February 26th, 1825. His father, John Shibley, was a native
of New York, and was born in May, 1795. His parents were natives of Holland, and were among the early settlers
of New York. His vocation was that of a shoemaker. In the year 1824 he was married to Miss Eliza Backensto, who
was a native of Fincastle, Virginia. They had born to them a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living.
In 1833 he removed with his family to St. Louis, remaining there until 1845, when he removed to Scott county, Illinois,
where he purchased a large tract of land. At present he is residing, with his wife, at Winchester, both hale and
hearty.
William N. is the eldest of his father's family. He obtained his education in the schools of St. Louis, and in
1841 he became an apprentice to the wagon and carriage making business. After finishing his trade, in 1845, he
made an overland trip to Mexico, in company with a number of traders. Their route lay from Independence, Missouri,
to Durango, Mexico, via Santa Fe. In May, 1846, he returned to St. Louis, and from there proceeded to Winchester,
Illinois, where he enlisted in the 1st regiment of Illinois volunteers, commanded by Col. John J. Hardin. They
were immediately after sent to the Mexican frontier, and participated in the battle of Buena Vista. He was mustered
out in June, 1847, receiving an honorable discharge.
In April, 1848, he was married to Miss Catherine Woodward. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, and are of a regular
lineal descent from Daniel Boone. Mr. Shibley has had a family of three children, two of whom are deceased.
Mr. Shibley enlisted, on the breaking out of the rebellion, in the 14th regiment Illinois volunteers, commanded
by John M. Palmer. Mr. Shibley was elected lieutenant of company "K." He remained in active service for
nearly three years, participating in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Hatchey, and was also at the siege of
Corinth. He received an honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Shibley is now residing
in Griggsville, and is a member of the Griggsville Manufacturing Company.